Compton Unified School District (CUSD) ROP/CTE held its open house on January 15th to showcase their Pre-Apprenticeship Plumbing Program. Career Technical Education (CTE) programs are designed to help high school students and adults prepare for work in skilled fields such as Plumbing, Computer Applications, Construction Trades, T.V. Production, Health Care Careers, Culinary Arts, Fashion Design, Auto Mechanics, Auto Body/Fender Repair, Drafting Technology and other careers that don’t always require a four year or advanced college degree.
Benefits of participating in the program(s) enables high school students to obtain entry level employment in their field of training and to pursue higher education options. In addition students can earn high school credits towards graduation requirements, and also earn college credit through completion of required classes. The school district has partnered with local community colleges, Cal State Univ. Dominguez Hills, the city of Compton, businesses, non-profits, and a local welding union specifically for the plumbing program.
The open house was held at the Compton Career Link Center (700 N. Bullis Rd. Bldg. C) which is the site of the plumbing program and computer/office occupation classes. The site has a wood frame house built by students at Compton High School who are part of the ROP/CTE program. This is important because for students to learn the plumbing trade they need to have a structure to practice and learn.
Several supporters of the program spoke during the open house but the true stars of the day were the students who were on hand ready to start class. The program highlights just one of the many CTE careers that students can benefit from within their own community. The other classes are held at the school districts three main high school campuses (Centennial, Compton, Dominguez) and its alternative high school (Chavez/Tubman). The classes are free to high school students and adults who participate in the program may do so with minimal costs for tuition, materials and supplies.
Each plumbing program session is six weeks long and two sessions are required to receive a Certificate of Completion. Programs like these don’t exist without the commitment and expertise of dedicated professionals. Much thanks and congratulations to Reena Singh, Senior Director of the CUSD ROP/CTE Program, her skillful staff, and the many partners necessary to make this opportunity a success. But most of all congratulations to the students who choose to pursue their dreams! For details call 310-898-6000.
Comments